Gastric perforation after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 68 reports of gastric perforation in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

68Reports
54%Marked serious
12%Recovered
60%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
2 5.9%
1–2 days
7 21%
3–7 days
12 35%
1–4 weeks
7 21%
Over a month
6 18%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 12%
Still unwell when reported
9 13%
Died
33 49%
Euthanised
8 12%
Not known
10 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
22
4–7 years
25
8–11 years
16
12+ years
1

About this medicine

Meloxicam relieves pain and inflammation.

Products with this ingredient include Metacam. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Meloxicam cause gastric perforation in dogs?
68 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 6 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Gastric perforation with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with gastric perforation